Interventions to Promote Physical Activity Among African Americans

Abstract

This article provides a summary of recent physical activity intervention research conducted among African Americans. As prior reviews have been published in this area, the authors updated the literature by focusing on the past 8 years. Overall, there has been an increase in the number and methodological rigor of the studies in this area. Thirty studies published in peer-reviewed journals were included in the current review. Results from 18 of these studies indicated that interventions produced significant increases in activity behavior among African American participants. Recent improvements in this research include larger sample sizes, more randomized controlled trials, and increased use of reliable and valid self-report measures, objective assessment tools, and theoretical backgrounds for interventions. However, attrition and long-term exercise adherence remain problematic in this area of research.

Feasibility of Using Computer-Tailored and Internet-Based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Underserved Populations

“…Most physical activity intervention studies conducted among African Americans report only on short-term (i.e., less than 6 months) findings. 9,27 As the health benefits of such short-term activity gains are questionable, the emphasis needs to shift toward producing enduring changes in activity levels among African Americans.…”

What are successful recruitment and retention strategies for underserved populations? Examining physical activity interventions in primary care and community settings

“…Effective translation of research results to clinical practice depends on successful implementation and sustainability. In particular, recruitment and attrition difficulties are frequently cited challenges, and calls have been made for future research to focus on adequate recruitment and retention in order to foster sustainability and reach [15,[18][19][20]. Retention is often thought to reflect the percentage of participants that are retained for postintervention assessments, not necessarily the actual intervention.…”

“…Historically, underserved groups have not been well represented in clinical trials to promote physical activity; however, this appears to be changing due to recent interventions more inclusive with respect to ethnic and socioeconomic diversity [13][14][15][16]. Involving communities and coalitions from the inception of research, mobilizing social networks, and targeting culturally appropriate messages and messengers all appear to be important characteristics of ethnically inclusive studies [17].…”

Physical activity interventions in minority populations

“…Latinos and blacks expressed interest in receiving support for physical activity through churches, but the fi ndings thus far in that setting are mixed. In fact, fi ve of the eight church-based studies reported signifi cant gains in activity behavior in a recent review of physical activity promotion in blacks [20]. Thus, church-based interventions appeal to minority participants, but more research is needed to determine their effi cacy.…”